Author: Staff Writer

  • Indonesian Customs Seizes Millions in Illicit Goods

    Indonesian Customs Seizes Millions in Illicit Goods

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    Customs in Batam, Indonesia, have seized illicit goods worth IDR1.37 trillion ($89.35 million) in the first half of 2023, including tobacco products, illegal cigarettes, e-cigarettes and alcoholic beverages containing methanol, according to 2Firsts.

    The operation was a result of tax operations aiming to ensure compliance of retail tax paying sellers as part of the area’s free-trade zone and free port, according to Anbang Puriyongo, director of Batam Customs.

    Three individuals have been named as suspects and undergone trial, according to Puriyongo. He called on citizens to report suspicious activities and actively participate in creating a fair trading environment.

    “We will further enhance inter-department coordination and cooperation, leveraging the latest technology,” Puriyongo said. “We aim for such actions to continue in the future, creating a better trading environment for Indonesia.”

  • Activists Plea for Consumer Participation at COP10

    Activists Plea for Consumer Participation at COP10

    Photo: Tobacco Reporter archive

    Consumer advocates are calling for the next New Zealand government to support greater consumer advocacy participation in the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Panama.  

    “The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has contributed to some progress in the implementation of tobacco control measures, but they need to provide honest, risk-proportionate communication and regulatory recommendations for Tobacco Harm Reduction [THR] products,” says Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA). 

    “While not perfect, these THR products can be a less harmful alternative to smoking and can help smokers quit. It is critical that smokers have access to accurate information about these products and that regulations are proportionate to their risks,” says Loucas. 

    The WHO FCTC should stop denying smokers, vapers and other tobacco users of their right to have a meaningful participation and inclusion in the formulation of policies that hugely impact them.

    Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator, CAPHRA

    “The WHO FCTC should stop denying smokers, vapers and other tobacco users of their right to have a meaningful participation and inclusion in the formulation of policies that hugely impact them.”  

    CAPHRA is calling on the New Zealand government and next minister of health to ask all member states who will be attending COP10 to reject the prohibitionist proposals contained in COP10 provisional agenda items 6.1 to 6.4 that the organization insists will just further contribute to millions more of unnecessary deaths from smoking. 

    “New Zealand should prioritize science-based inclusive policy making, including at the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. It is essential that policy making is based on the best available evidence and that all stakeholders—including consumer advocates are included in the decision-making process,” said Loucas.

  • U.S. FDA to Hold Public Meeting on PMTA Process

    U.S. FDA to Hold Public Meeting on PMTA Process

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will hold a two-day public meeting on the agency’s premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) process on Oct. 23–24, 2023.

    The meeting will be held on the FDA’s White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, and will be in a hybrid format with the option to attend virtually.

    Staff from the Center for Tobacco Products’ Office of Science will present on topics related to the PMTA process and be available to respond to questions received from stakeholders on the topic, according to a press note.

    Additional information, including registration and question submission processes, will be available soon.

  • FDA Tobacco Chief Discusses Relative Risk of Vapes

    FDA Tobacco Chief Discusses Relative Risk of Vapes

    CTP Director Brian King

    In an article published in Addiction magazine, Brian King, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), explores the chances and considerations for informing adults who smoke cigarettes about the relative dangers of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. He collaborated with Benjamin Toll, director of the Medical University of South Carolina Tobacco Treatment Program and co-director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program.

    The commentary highlights the findings of a recent survey about misperceptions of tobacco product harms, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The survey found that only about 20 percent of adults who smoke cigarettes believed e-cigarettes contain fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes. While there are no safe tobacco products, the available scientific evidence indicates that tobacco products exist on a continuum of risk, with cigarettes being the most harmful. 

    The commentary notes that opportunities exist to educate adults who smoke about the relative risks of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. However, these efforts should be accompanied by efforts to prevent youth tobacco product use; encourage first-line use of FDA-approved cessation therapies; and for adults who both smoke and use e-cigarettes, reinforce the importance of completely transitioning to e-cigarettes.

    The commentary further emphasizes that any education efforts on the relative risks of tobacco products must be evidence-based. In particular, it is important to assess the benefits among the intended population (i.e., adults who smoke) and risks among unintended populations (e.g., youth). Currently, FDA is in the early stages of a research effort to assess messaging about the continuum of risk of tobacco products among adults who smoke.

    Last week, the FDA announced a virtual listening session opportunity to verbally provide open public comment on the development of the new strategic plan, including proposed strategic goals. After introductions, the center will begin the listening session with an overview of the process used to develop the CTP’s strategic plan, including proposed goal areas.

    Registration is open for the virtual listening session on the development of the CTP’s five-year strategic plan, which will take place on Aug. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. EDT.

  • China-Based Ispire Appoints New CEO and CFO

    China-Based Ispire Appoints New CEO and CFO

    Ispire Technology has appointed Michael Wang as its co-chief executive officer. Wang previously served as chief financial officer. Concurrently, Daniel J. Machock was appointed as the new chief financial officer.

    Wang has assumed the role of co-chief executive officer alongside Tuanfang Liu. This strengthened leadership structure is designed to refine Ispire’s strategic direction and spearhead the company’s future growth. Ispire’s decision to elevate Wang stems from his record in strategic and financial leadership.

    “Having been deeply involved with Ispire’s progress, I look forward to partnering with Tuanfang to further the company’s growth and expansion,” said Wang in a statement. “Together, we share a mutual vision of global development and pioneering innovation within the company.”

    With extensive 25-year experience in financial strategy, including at Appetize Technologies and Chrome River Technologies, Ispire expects Machock to bolster its financial footing.

    “I am honored to take on the role of CFO at Ispire,” said Machock. “Eager to harness my financial expertise, I deeply value the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation in the cannabis vaping arena and am committed to contributing to its continued success.”

  • Australian Authorities Seize 15 Tons of Illegal Vapes

    Australian Authorities Seize 15 Tons of Illegal Vapes

    The WA Health Department in Australia has seized 15 tons of vapes from a warehouse in Perth’s north-east in what it says is the biggest-ever bust of its kind in the state and nation.

    Authorities say more than 300,000 vapes worth an estimated $10 million were discovered.

    WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the raid came after a tip-off, according to ABC.

    Health Department officers also found more than 10 tons of illegal prescription drugs and “nangs”, which are whipped cream chargers filled with nitrous oxide that are abused by being inhaled.

    The maximum penalty in WA for selling nicotine vapes under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 is a $45,000 fine and a three-year prison term for an individual, or a $225,000 fine for a company.

    The Australian government in May announced that it would ban the importation of all nonprescription vaping products – including those that do not contain nicotine.

    The legislation is being billed as containing the most significant tobacco and vaping control measures in the country in a decade.

  • Louisiana Businesses Struggling Under Vape Tax

    Louisiana Businesses Struggling Under Vape Tax

    Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana (Credit: Fang)

    Vaping product taxes and regulations in Louisiana may be taking a devastating toll on small businesses.

    Unlimited Vapor, according to the Shreveport Times, stands with limited supply due to the recent increase in state taxes on nicotine vape products and e-cigarettes. On June 15, 2023, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law the bill to increase the excise tax on vapes from 5 cents per milliliter of nicotine solution to 15 cents.

    “We usually special order it for customers, if they know what flavor they want, what milligram they want, because of the excise tax going up as high as it is, we don’t want to order it and have it just sitting there,” said Selena Price, manager of Unlimited Vapor.

    The tax increase went into effect on July 1, and is only impacting Louisiana. Border states such as Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi have no excise tax on vape and e-cigarette products.

    Rep. Paul Hollis of Covington sponsored House Bill 635 Act 414 to discourage the use of vape and e-cigarette products through an increase in excise tax. The Shreveport Times reached out to Hollis for a statement, but did not receive a response.

    Many are calling the new rules a de-facto flavor ban. It tripled the tax on vape liquid from 5 cents per milliliter to 15 cents per milliliter and earmarks the revenue the tax will generate for pay raises for state troopers. This has forced many products off of vape shop shelves. This is forcing most vape products off of store shelves.

    The legislation, Act 414 by Rep. Paul Hollis, started out as a bill to increase the tax on vapes, with Hollis saying he wanted to discourage their use. But it quickly morphed into a broader law that dramatically scales back what vapes can be sold, after wholesalers, major tobacco companies and legislators concerned with youth use got involved.

  • WVA Says Hungary Proposed Vape Rules Excessive

    WVA Says Hungary Proposed Vape Rules Excessive

    The World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA), a global vaping consumer advocacy group, has great concern for the Hungarian Government’s draft decree which aims to amend the current regulation of nicotine pouches and vaping. 

    The proposed regulations, if enacted, would introduce restrictions that may hinder access to safer alternatives for smokers and harm reduction options, according to an emailed press release.

    Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, said, “While it’s important to ensure the safety and proper labelling of nicotine products, it’s equally crucial to avoid excessive regulation that could impede the availability of harm reduction products for smokers looking to transition away from combustible cigarettes.” 

    The proposed amendments, with a maximum nicotine content of 17mg per consumption unit reflect an approach that may inadvertently limit the appeal of nicotine pouches to smokers seeking alternatives.

    “Moreover, the WVA expresses concerns about the potential implications of the draft Decree’s proposed modifications to vaping product regulations,” the release states. “The amendments, which target unit packet definitions, nicotine amounts, and labelling requirements, could impose unwarranted restrictions on vaping products. While addressing health concerns is important, the proposed changes should be carefully evaluated to ensure they do not deter smokers from adopting less harmful alternatives.”

    Whilst health and safety standards are crucial, regulations should be crafted with a balanced approach that considers both consumer health and the potential of these products to save lives, according to Landl. 

    “We encourage the Hungarian Government to start accepting reality: harm reduction works! This year, Sweden is becoming the first smoke-free country due to a consumer-friendly harm reduction approach,” he said. “It is high time to learn from the Swedish experience and thereby save thousands of Hungarian lives. With a smart harm reduction approach, Hungary can become smoke-free.”

    The standstill period for review and objection by the European Commission and Member States ends on 8th November 2023, after which the Hungarian Government may enact the proposed regulations. The WVA remains committed to advocating for evidence-based policies prioritizing public health and consumer choice.

  • McKinney Regulatory Science Reveals New Website

    McKinney Regulatory Science Reveals New Website

    McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors has launch its new website that promises “a new era of innovation and transparency for their clients,” according to a press release.

    The new platform describes an array of advisory services to nicotine and cannabis clients, with an emphasis on providing McKinney clients with the best available regulatory services.

    Willie McKinney, CEO of McKinney, said the new website represents a significant milestone in journey to provide exceptional advisory services to our nicotine and cannabis clients.

    “The revamped platform reflects our dedication to innovation, transparency, and client satisfaction, making it easier for clients to explore our services and access valuable regulatory resources,” he said

    The new website offers a modern design that makes it easy for users to find the information they need quickly. It also features an intuitive navigation system that allows users to identify relevant services and access helpful resources rapidly, according to McKinney. Additionally, the site is optimized for mobile devices so that users can access the site from any device at any time.

    “McKinney RSA focuses on providing comprehensive solutions that meet complex regulatory requirements while also delivering superior customer service,” the release states. “With decades of industry experience under their belt, they are committed to helping their clients succeed by providing top-notch guidance every step of the way.”

  • Study Finds Flavors Helps Smokers Quit Smoking

    Study Finds Flavors Helps Smokers Quit Smoking

    Credit: Юлия Кравченко

    Recent research suggests that people are more likely to quit smoking combustible cigarettes by vaping if they receive help choosing the right flavor, plus supportive messages.

    The Addiction journal recently published a study conducted by London South Bank University (LSBU) that involved 1,214 eligible participants who were heavy smokers and expressed interest in quitting by using vapes. The researchers recruited these participants through social media.

    They then tested five remote interventions aimed at helping people switch—mostly online surveys that produced recommendations based on individual responses, reports Filter. The interventions were: “tailored device selection advice; tailored e-liquid nicotine strength advice; tailored e-liquid flavor advice; brief information on relative harms; and text message (SMS) support.”

    “Simple tailored advice on selecting a flavor along with supportive text messages could increase quit rates by 55 percent.”

    By offering different groups of participants different interventions (including all, or none of them), the study sought to determine which combination was most effective.

    “In the adjusted model,” the researchers concluded, “the only significant interaction was a two-way interaction, advice on flavor combined with text message support, which increased the odds of abstinence [from cigarettes].”